In praise of FAVO

Preview

"Frisbee" by Rene Guerin at Arts on Douglas in New… (Handout )

August 1, 2013|Terry Hummel, VISUAL ARTS

FAVO seems to become more popular each month with more artists showing their work and more art-aholics dropping by. The artists' village near downtown Orlando was for many years an abandoned motel until the folks across the street at Park Lake Presbyterian Church bought the property and turned into it an arts haven for the entire community. They are gradually converting the motel rooms into artist studios and studio-residences. FAVOhosts several events each month, with the first Friday art show and market (5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2) being the largest. The art varies in quality and price but most range from pretty good to professional, and the prices are reasonable. FAVO is at 221 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando; visit faithartsvillage.com for more information.

Baldwin Park stroll

Downtown Baldwin Park hosts its First Friday Art Stroll on Friday, Aug. 2 (5:30-9:30 p.m.) along New Broad Street. You'll find artists and craftspeople on both sides of the street and inside some of the businesses. At Planet Beach Contempo Spa (4859 New Broad St., 407-826-8685) see how three female artists explore the concept of "beauty."

Road trips

•Melbourne: The First Friday Art Walk in the historic and artsy Eau Gallie area is always fun. There are several galleries along Highland Avenue including the ultrahip EGAD! Art Lab (1405 Highland Ave., 321- 258-2119) and the artists' co-op Fifth Avenue Art Gallery (1470 Highland Ave., 321-259-8261). Step into the Foosaner Art Museum (1463 Highland Ave., 321-674-8916) and catch the last weekend of "Pressing Print: Universal Limited Art Editions 2000-2010." The art walk (Friday, Aug. 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m.) also features artists on the sidewalks and live music.

•New Smyrna Beach: Arts on Douglas (123 Douglas St., 386-428-1133) and several other nearby venues have receptions every first Saturday, 4-7 p.m. AonD has the very best artists from around the state including several of my favorites: Larry Moore, Stephen Bach, Audrey Phillips, Donne Bitner and John Wilton. Theywill present their interpretations of our beaches and beach culture in the "Endless Summer" exhibit. Other venues include Clay Gallery (302 S. Riverside Drive, 386-427-2903) and Harris House (214 Riverside Drive, 386-423-1753).

•Jacksonville: Check out the city's First Wednesdays arts festival. There are almost 40 venues; start by Hemming Plaza (corner of Laura and Monroe, next to the Federal Court House). Call 904-634-0303 for details.